FlowVis Manual Rev4.3 · The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Act requires that all public swimming pools & spas having a single main drain or multiple drains that are 3 feet or less

FlowVis®FlowVis®

Flow Meter

English

Operating Manual

2.5” / DN50/65, 3” / DN80 and 4” / DN100 models

FlowVis® retrofi t model

DESCRIPTION

FlowVis® is a revolutionary, patented solution for accurate and reliable fl ow rate measurement in fresh water applications such as swimming pools, spas, fountains, water features, and solar systems.

Using a design that is based on ‘mass fl ow’ principles, the FlowVis® provides many benefi ts that include:

• Ease of installation without the need to have 15x of straight pipe

• Installation fl exibility that allows orientation in any position, e.g., horizontal, vertical or even upside-down

• Long life without sticking fl oats or paddle wheels

• Combined Flow Meter and Check Valve in all models except FV-C-S, FV-3, FV-L-DN80, FV-4 and FV-L-DN100.

CONCEPT

As fl ow increases, the check valve or safety fl apper moves forward toward its fully open position. The fl apper’s angular position is directly related to fl ow rate through the valve body / Tee. A calibrated scale on the valve’s lid provides a highly accurate reading of the fl ow rate.

Calibrated Scale

Flow

www.h2fl ow.net • Tel: 888-635-0296 (Toll Free) OR (+1) 419-841-7774 (International)

IMPORTANT NOTE: For the most up-to-date version of this manual, please visit www.h2fl ow.net/product-literature


General Information

RESOURCES

Thank you for purchasing the H2fl ow FlowVis® fl ow meter. If you would like to fi nd additional product resources, including tech tip sheets, brochures, videos, and materials in other languages, please visit our website at www.h2fl ow.net or scan the QR Code below.

SERVICE REPAIR KIT

A service repair kit is available using the Part Number FV-SK. The kit comprises:

• 1 x o-ring

• 1 x spring

• 1 x fl apper and indicator arm (for all models except FV-C-S, FV-3, FV-L-DN80, FV-4 and FV-L-DN100)

• 1 x pivot pin

For all other parts, please contact H2fl ow at 888-635-0296 (toll-free) or (+1) 419-841-7774 (International).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description .........................................................front cover

Concept ...............................................................front cover

General Info

Resources ............................................................................. 2

Service Repair Kit ............................................................... 2

Models & Compatibility

Models ................................................................................... 3

Compatibility ........................................................................ 3

NSF 50 ................................................................................... 3

Safety Information

Chlorine Feeders ............................................................... 4

Warnings & Safety .............................................................. 4

Dimensions & Valve Body Feature

Dimensions........................................................................... 5

Valve Body Feature ........................................................... 5

Installation

Installation ............................................................................. 6

Lid Assembly & Operation

Tightening Lid Screws .......................................................7

Operation ...............................................................................7

Operation & Maintenance

Operation - reading fl ow rate ......................................... 8

Maintenance ........................................................................ 8

Specifi cations

Materials Used .................................................................... 9

Operational Data ................................................................ 9

Flow Range .......................................................................... 9

Head Loss ............................................................................10

Warranty

Warranty ............................................................. back cover

Contact Info ....................................................... back cover

2

www.h2flow.net • Tel: 888-635-0296 (Toll Free) OR (+1) 419-841-7774 (International)

Models & Compatibility

MODELS

FlowVis® comprises several models; it is important that you check that the model you are about to install is the correct one for your application.

COMPATIBILITY

When using the ‘retrofit’ models listed in Table 1, it is important to note that each manufacturer’s valve body design has a unique hydraulic characteristic that will result in a specific FlowVis® calibration scale being required. It is therefore important that you select the correct FlowVis® model for the particular valve body that is installed in your system.

TABLE 1

NSF 50

Models certified to NSF 50 will display the mark as shown below:

3

MODEL PIPE SIZE

Complete

FV-C-L-DN50/65 DN50/65 40 LPM Complete FlowVis® including valve body

FV-C-15 1.5” 40 GPM Complete FlowVis® including valve body

FV-C-L-DN40 DN40 40 LPM Complete FlowVis® including valve body

Complete

Complete

FV-C-S-L 2” or 2.5” 40 LPM FlowVis® including valve body, no check valve

FV-3 3” 80 GPM Complete FlowVis® including Tee

FV-L-DN80 DN80 80 LPM Complete FlowVis® including Tee

FV-3-L 3” 80 LPM Complete FlowVis® including Tee

FV-4 4” 80 GPM Complete FlowVis® including Tee

FV-L-DN100 DN100 80 LPM Complete FlowVis® including Tee

FV-4-L 4” 80 LPM Complete FlowVis® including Tee

FV-C-Saline 2” 40 GPM FlowVis® for flotation tanks

FV-J-R

FV-J-R-15

FV-P-R

FV-P-R-15

FV-H-R 2” or 2.5” 40 GPM Retrofit for existing Hayward® check valve body

FV-H-R-15 1.5” 40 GPM Retrofit for existing Hayward® check valve body

FV-SK N/A N/A N/A Please refer to description on page 2 of this document

NOTE: The above graphic only relates to applications that use erosion style chemical feeders. In all other circumstances, the FlowVis® can be installed in any of the locations shown.


Check Valves should always be installed in accordance with the original manufacturer’s instructions. When purchased as a complete Check Valve & Flow Meter combination, a copy of these instructions will be included with the FlowVis® packaging. If a FlowVis® retrofi t kit has been purchased, it is the installer’s responsibility to ensure that the Check Valve has been installed correctly and does not violate any local or federal codes relating to Check Valves.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Act requires that all public swimming pools & spas having a single main drain or multiple drains that are 3 feet or less (center to center) from each

other be fi tted with a backup anti-entrapment system. Such systems include, but are not limited to, SVRS and Automatic Pump Shut Off systems. Special consideration must be made when installing a FlowVis® to such applications. Several of these systems do not allow the use of Check Valves. It is the responsibility of the installer to make sure that the requirements of the specifi c backup system in use are maintained.

An optional non-sealing fl apper is available for these installations. See Table 1 on page 3.

Safety Information

CHLORINE FEEDERS

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

WARNINGS & SAFETY

Installation locations

Corrosion Resistant Check Valve

Filter HeaterChlorinator

1

2

3

4

5

1 = Best

2 = Very Good

3 = OK, but not ideal

4 = Bad

5 = Really bad

4

Material selections such as Viton, Hastelloy C-276 and glass fi lled plastic ensure that FlowVis® will provide many years of trouble-free operation in normally treated, sanitized pool water conditions. However, certain brands and designs of inexpensive chlorine feeders are known to fail and release high concentrations of chlorine or even chlorine gas into the surrounding fi ltration system. When this occurs, any equipment that comes into contact with these abnormal levels of chemicals, will experience rapid and catastrophic damage. Inspection of any failed components will quickly and conclusively confi rm the cause of the damage, and under these circumstances, the product’s warranty will be void.

Under no circumstances should FlowVis® be used as a ‘check valve’ to prevent the eff ects of these Chlorine Feeders damaging other equipment such as Heaters.

VGBA


Installation & Valve Body Feature

On the side of the valve body that is used for the 1.5”, 2”/2.5”, DN40 and DN50/65 models, you will note the following feature:

This has no functionality relating to the operation of the FlowVis® and is simply provided as a feature to be able to plumb in a drain down pipe and valve. A typical use for this might be a roof mounted solar system. Under no circumstances should this hold be drilled out when using the valve body with the FlowVis®.

5

DIMENSIONS

VALVE BODY FEATURE

MODEL A B C D E F G WEIGHT lbs / kg

FV-C-15, FV-C-15-L 6.5” 5.875” Schedule 40 - 1.5” 1.875” 1.375” 4.63” 3.75” 1.5 lbs.

FV-C-L-DN40 165.1mm 149.23mm Schedule 40 - DN40 47.63mm 34.93mm 117.6mm 95.25mm 0.544 kg.

FV-C, FV-C-S, FV-C-S-L, FV-C-Saline, FV-C-L

6.5” 5.875”Schedule 40 - 2” slip and

2.5” with coupling2.375” 1.375” 4.63” 3.75” 1.5 lbs.

FV-C-L-DN50/65 165.1mm 149.23mmSchedule 40 - DN50 slip and DN65 with coupling

60.33mm 34.93mm 117.6mm 95.25mm 0.544 kg.

FV-3, FV-3-L 8.0” 9.5” Schedule 80 - 3” 3.5” 1.875” 4.5” 4.25” 3 lbs.

FV-L-DN80 203.2mm 241.3mm Schedule 80 - DN80 88.9mm 47.63mm 114.3mm 107.96mm 1.36 kg.

FV-4, FV-4-L 9.5” 9.75” Schedule 80 - 4” 4.5” 2.25” 5.25” 5.00” 5 lbs.

FV-L-DN100 241.3mm 247.65mm Schedule 80 - DN100 114.3mm 57.15mm 113.26mm 127mm 2.27 kg.

FV-3, FV-3-L, FV-L-DN80, FV-4, FV-4-L, & FV-L-DN100: FV-C-15, FV-C-L-DN40, FV-C, FV-C-L, FV-C-L-DN50/65, FV-C-S, FV-C-S-L, FV-C-Saline:

NOTE: Dimension C = pipe cutaway length.

NOTE 3: Unlike other fl ow meters, all FlowVis® models can be installed directly next to other plumbing fi ttings such as elbows & tees, without the needs for 15x straight pipe diameters.

Customer Plumbing Customer Plumbing


INSTALLATION

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before installing the FlowVis®, please refer to the preceding section regarding chlorine feeders.

Installation of FlowVis® should be in accordance with the following instructions.

Normal plumbing procedures such as cleaning, priming and gluing of fixtures should be followed in order to avoid leaks. If you are not familiar with plumbing procedures, it is recommended that you employ the skills of a qualified plumber.

Unlike other flow meters, FlowVis® is not affected by flow stream disturbances caused by its proximity to pumps, elbows, tees, valves, etc. FlowVis® does not require specific straight pipe lengths before or after its point of installation, and can be installed close to, or even adjacent to other plumbing fittings. FlowVis® can be installed either horizontally or vertically.

NOTE: When selecting a physical location to install FlowVis®, be sure to allow accessibility to read the scale on the lid.

Pay particular attention to the system’s direction of flow and make sure that the arrow on the lid of the FlowVis® is pointing in the correct direction. For the 3” / DN80 and 4” / DN100 versions, the Tee will have an additional arrow on one of its bosses. In the event that the FlowVis® is inadvertently glued into the plumbing in the wrong direction, simply remove the (8) screws holding the lid in place and rotate the entire lid assembly by 180˚.

6

Installation


TIGHTENING LID SCREWS

When installing the Retrofi t versions of FlowVis® or when removing and re-installing the FlowVis® lid assembly, it is important to adhere to the following procedure:

1. Make sure that the o-ring on the underside of the lid is undamaged, lubricated with silicone (such as Boss 820) and is in-place without twists.

2. Ensure fl apper hinge pin is centered.

3. Carefully lower the lid onto its valve body (or Tee in the case of the 3” / DN80 and 4” / DN100 models), making sure that the o-ring stays in place.

4. Insert by hand the (8) stainless steel screws but do not tighten at this stage.

5. Using a hand Phillips-head screwdriver, slowly tighten the screws in a diagonal pattern, per the sequence to the right. Do not fully tighten one screw before proceeding to the next, i.e., pull them down slowly multiple times to avoid stressing and cracking the lid. Screws should be tightened to a fi nal torque of 25 inch / pounds or 34 Nm.

OPERATION

The FlowVis® is factory-calibrated to be extremely accurate across its full operating range. Any perceived ‘inaccuracy’ is related to the viewing angle at which the scale is being read. To avoid so-called ‘parallax error’, it is important to position your eye so that you are looking squarely at the tip of the indicator arm. To achieve this, simply move your head so that you just lose sight of the vertical leading edge of the red arm.

Vertical leading edge

NOTE: Slowly move your head in this direction to the point where the leading edge of the indicating arm is not visible.

7

1

2

3

5

4

6

7

8

(1)(2)

(3)

(1) Indicator arm is being viewed too far forward / near the rear of the lid.

(2) Indicator arm is being viewed correctly.

(3) Indicator arm is being viewed too far back / front of the lid.

Lid Assembly & Operation


OPERATION - READING FLOW RATE

The FlowVis® scale not only shows flow rate, but also an indication of velocity.

Alongside the flow rate values are green, yellow, and red bands; these relate to velocity rates of:

Color Velocity (Feet Per Second) Velocity (Meters Per Second)Green ≤5 ≤1.52

Yellow 5-9 1.53 - 2.73

Red 9≥ 2.74≥

MAINTENANCE

Although FlowVis® is designed to be maintenance-free, periodic checks should be made to the following:

Condition Check for RemedyLeak around lid seal O-Ring Failure Replace O-Ring

Leak from lid Cracks in lid Order new lid from supplier

Higher flow reading than normal Broken or weak spring Replace spring

Lower flow reading than normal Indicator arm stuck due to debris Remove lid and clear debris

Flow indicator stuck at one position Debris between indicator arm and lid Remove lid and clear debris

Indicator always at max flow when pump running

Broken spring Replace spring

Flapper seal crinkled Chlorinator check valve failure

Repair chlorinator, order FlowVis® Service Repair Kit. Consider moving FlowVis® to a different location (see ‘Chlorine Feeders’ section on pg. 4).

8

Operation & Maintenance


SPECIFICATIONS

Item Material / CommentsLid Polycarbonate

Valve Body (1.5”, 2”, and 2.5”) CPVC

Lid Screws 304 Stainless Steel

O-ring Silicone Lubricated Elastomer

Scale label, Product label, NSF label Polycarbonate

Pivot Pin (model FV-C and metric equivelants) Glass-filled plastic. Hastelloy C-276 post Feb. 2017

Spring 316 Stainless Steel. Hastelloy C-276 post Nov. 2015

3” / DN80 and 4” / DN100 Tee and reducing bushings PVC

Indicator Arm ABS

Flapper (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”, and DN40, DN50/65) PPEPS

Flapper Seal (1.5”, 2”, 2.5” and DN40, DN50/65) Viton

Flapper (FV-C-S only) ABS

Lower Flapper (3” / DN80 and 4” / DN100 only) ABS

Interconnecting link (3” / DN80 and 4” / DN100 only) 316 Stainless Steel

Lower Retaining Pins (3” / DN80 and 4” / DN100 only) 316 Stainless Steel

Materials used:

Function Models CommentsMax working pressure All models 50 psi

Accuracy FV-C / FC-C-S / FV-C-Saline Average: 97.9% / 98% / 97.5%

Accuracy FV-3, FV-4, FV-L-DN80 and FV-L-DN100 Average: 98.6% in straight pipe

Min / Max operating ambient temp All models 32˚F (0˚C) / 140˚F (60˚C)

Periodic calibration All models None required

Design life All models Greater than 5 years

Operational Data:

9

Specifications

FlowVis® Models Pipe Size Min Flow - GPM U.S.

Min Flow - LPM

Max Flow - GPM U.S.

Max Flow - LPM

FV-C-15, FV-J-R-15, FV-P-R-15, FV-H-R-15, FV-C-L-DN40

1.5” 10 40 90 360

FV-C, FVJ-R, FVP-R, FV-C-L-DN50/65 2” / 2.5” 10 / 20 40 / 80 110 400

FV-C-S, FV-C-S-L 2” / 2.5” 30 N/A 110 N/A

FV-3, FV-L-DN80 3” 90 N/A 220 833

FV-4, FV-L-DN100 4” 160 N/A 300 1136

FV-C-Saline 2” 20 80 100 400

Flow Range:


10

Specifications cont.

SPECIFICATIONS

Head Loss (FV-C):

Head Loss (FV-C-S):

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

Head

Loss

Ft.

Flow Rate GPM

FlowVis Head Loss (ft H2O) - 2" Schedule 40 Pipe

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

Head

Loss

Ft.

Flow Rate GPM

Head Loss (ft H2O) - 2.5" Schedule 40 Pipe

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

Head

Loss

psi

Flow Rate GPM

FlowVis Head Loss (psi) - 2" Pipe

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

Head

Loss

psi

Flow Rate GPM

Head Loss (psi) - 2.5" Pipe

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

Head

Loss

Ft.

Flow Rate GPM


0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2.0

30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

Head

Loss

psi

Flow Rate GPM

FlowVis Head Loss (psi) - 2" Schedule 40 Pipe

NOTE: One 90� elbow equals 5.7 feet NOTE: One 90� elbow equals 6.9 feet


11

Head Loss (FV-3):

Specifications cont.

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Head

Loss

Ft.

Flow Rate GPM


0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220

Head

Loss

Ft.

Flow Rate GPM


Head Loss (FV-4):

0.0

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.3

0.3

0.4

0.4

0.5

0.5

150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300

Head

Loss

Ft.

Flow Rate GPM


0.0

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.3

150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300

Head

Loss

psi

Flow Rate GPM


Head Loss (FV-C-Saline):

NOTE: One 90� elbow equals 7.9 feet

NOTE: One 90� elbow equals 11.4 feet

0.0

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.3

0.3

0.4

90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220

Head

Los

s psi

Flow Rate GPM

FlowVis FV-3 Head Loss (psi) - 3" Schedule 80 Pipe

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Head

Los

s psi

Flow Rate GPM


WARRANTY

IMPORTANT, please read and keep this document on record.

1. DefinitionH2flow Controls, Inc., warrants the FlowVis® product for 3-years from its date of supply from H2flow Controls, Inc. or its stocking Distributor. In the event that the product experiences a premature failure due to defective workmanship or materials, H2flow will, at its discretion, replace either the failed component(s) or the complete FlowVis unit. H2flow shall not be responsible for third-party labor or any consequential losses. Damage caused by improper installation, misuse or exposure to excessive chemicals such as chlorine, will not be covered by this warranty.

2. EligibilityThis warranty extends to the original purchaser only or to the end-user client of an H2flow Controls Inc authorized affiliate.

3. How to obtain service To obtain service under the terms of this warranty, the customer is required to notify H2flow Controls Inc. before the expiration of the warranty period and to return the item in accordance with H2flow Controls Inc’s product return policy. Any product returned for warranty repair must be accompanied by a full fault report specifying the symptoms and the conditions under which the fault occurs. Should H2flow Controls Inc incur additional cost as a result of a failure to complete the appropriate paperwork, an administrative charge may be levied.

4. Exclusions This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate care. H2flow Controls Inc. shall not be obligated to provide service under this warranty if: a) damage has been caused by a failure to make a full and proper inspection of the product (as described by the documentation enclosed with the product at the time of shipment) on initial receipt of the product following shipment; b) damage has been caused by the attempts of individuals, other than H2flow Controls Inc staff to repair or service the product; c) damage has been caused by the improper use of the product, including but not limited to, the installation of a FlowVis® unit using a chlorination system as described on page 4 of this manual.

5. ChargesUnder cover of this warranty, H2flow Controls Inc will pay the carriage and insurance charges for the shipment of defective product back to H2flow Controls Inc and for its return to the client’s original site of dispatch except when: a) H2flow Controls Inc’s product return policy has not been followed. b) product failure is caused by any of the exclusions described at paragraph 4 above, when the customer will be liable for the full cost of the repair (parts and labor) plus all carriage and insurance costs to and from H2flow Controls Inc’s premises. c) the product is damaged in transit and a contributory cause is inadequate packaging. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that the packaging used to return equipment to H2flow Controls Inc is the same, or has equivalent protective qualities, to that used to ship the product to the customer in the first instance. Any damage resulting from the use of inadequate packaging will nullify H2flow Controls Inc’s obligations under this warranty. Should the customer’s product be damaged in transit following a repair at H2flow Controls Inc’s site, a full photographic record of the damage must be obtained (packaging and the product) to support any claim for recompense. Failure to present this evidence may limit H2flow Controls Inc’s obligations under this warranty.

THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY H2FLOW CONTROLS INC IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON INFRINGEMENT OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. H2FLOW CONTROLS INC SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES. WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES TO CUSTOMERS OF THE CUSTOMER. THE CUSTOMER’S SOLE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY IS THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT, AT H2FLOW CONTROLS INC’S DISCRETION, OF THE FAILED PRODUCT.

H2flow Controls, Inc., 3545 Silica Road, Unit F, Sylvania, OH 43560 U.S.A.Tel: 888-635-0296 (Toll Free) OR (+1) 419-841-7774 (International) • Fax: 419-517-9900

For international sales and service, please visit our website: www.h2flow.net

Release 4.4 05/17 English

Warranty

Documents

FlowVis Manual Rev4.3 · The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Act requires that all public swimming pools & spas having a single main drain or multiple drains that are 3 feet or less